1. **State the problem:** We have a right triangle OMN with a right angle at N, angle O is 44°, side ON is 9, and side OM is labeled $x$. We need to find $x$. 2. **Identify the sides relative to angle O:** - Side ON is adjacent to angle O. - Side OM is the hypotenuse. 3. **Use the cosine function:** The cosine of an angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse: $$\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$$ 4. **Apply the formula:** $$\cos(44^\circ) = \frac{ON}{OM} = \frac{9}{x}$$ 5. **Solve for $x$:** $$x = \frac{9}{\cos(44^\circ)}$$ 6. **Calculate the value:** $$\cos(44^\circ) \approx 0.7193$$ $$x = \frac{9}{0.7193} \approx 12.51$$ 7. **Round to the nearest tenth:** $$x \approx 12.5$$ **Final answer:** $x = 12.5$